Celtics Trade Pitch Lands Them Microwave Scorer

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Brad Stevens and the Celtics have spent the offseason dealing with the NBA’s second apron.

The Boston Celtics did not enter this season with aggressive trade expectations.

The plan was flexibility. Financial breathing room. A bridge year built around patience.

But as the NBA trade deadline approaches, that posture might be tested. Boston is winning more than expected. Roles are settling. And one familiar trade idea has resurfaced, this time with a bit more logic behind it.

It came from NBA insider Bill Simmons.

Bill Simmons Floats a Guard Swap for the Celtics

On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons pitched a framework that would send Anfernee Simons to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Malik Monk, with minor salary pieces included to make the numbers work.

The appeal is easy to understand.

Monk fits what Boston tends to value off the bench. He can score without needing to dominate the ball, play alongside creators, and swing stretches of games with pace and shot-making. That matters for a Celtics roster built more on structure than improvisation.

Monk’s best season came during Sacramento’s breakthrough year, when he played a key role in ending the Kings’ playoff drought and finished near the top of Sixth Man of the Year voting. He has shown he can thrive in a defined role on a competitive team.

For a Celtics group that prioritizes lineup balance and late-game flexibility, the fit is clean.

Why the Trade Math Works for Boston

The financial side is where this idea gains traction.

Simons’ $27 million salary remains Boston’s most practical trade lever. Moving it for Monk’s smaller deal would bring the Celtics closer to the first apron while preserving on-court production. Depending on structure, Boston could maintain flexibility without adding long-term money.

From Sacramento’s perspective, the motivation would hinge on direction. The Kings have struggled to find consistency, and Simons could give them a higher-usage scoring option to reorganize their offense. Boston would likely need to attach secondary draft compensation, but the framework is realistic.

At the very least, it fits the type of deadline conversations the Celtics will entertain.

Why the Celtics May Prefer to Stand Pat

There is one complication.

Simons is starting to look comfortable in green.

After an uneven transition, his offensive rhythm has improved. The ball moves more freely when it reaches him. His catch-and-shoot efficiency has become a legitimate weapon. Boston’s staff has found ways to get him downhill without stalling possessions.

Even defensively, Simons has held up better than expected. His focus has improved, and he has shown he can survive within Boston’s system. That matters when evaluating whether a move is necessary or merely convenient.

Right now, Simons is helping the Celtics win games.

That turns any trade into a basketball decision, not just a financial one.

Final Word for the Celtics

This is what makes Simmons’ Monk pitch interesting, but not urgent.

In an ideal world, Boston would keep Simons as a bench scorer and let this season breathe. He fits the rotation. He has found his rhythm. And the Celtics do not need to force a deal.

The complication is timing.

Simons is on an expiring contract. If Boston wants to preserve value, a decision may be required. If that moment arrives, Monk stands out as a logical replacement who maintains the same role while easing financial pressure.

For now, the Celtics can afford patience.

But as the deadline nears, this is exactly the type of trade idea they will keep within reach, ready only if they need it.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins